DK Travel : The Algarve : Places of interest

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Alte

Described as “a delightful snapshot of the real Algarve” in many a tourist brochure, Alte is indeed a picture of beauty and serenity. The little village with its whitewashed façades, filigree chimney pots and rural charm appears to have little time for the 21st century, but always greets visitors with a warm handshake and ready smile. The central attraction is the fonte picnic area near the stream. The area is also renowned for its handicrafts and colourful folklore.
Alvor

Nestling in a sheltered bay midway between Portimão and Lagos, Alvor is an unusual mix of dignified charm and flickering neon. The old quarter is a delight to wander through, the 16th-century Manueline church is a gem and the village restaurants serve up some of the tastiest seafood in the region.
Ameixial

Typical of the villages that pepper this rugged region. Nearby Miradoura de Caldeirão is an inspiring place for a picnic, and to the south are the last remaining examples of round dwellings.
Aqualand – The Big One

Head first or feet first, dare to disappear down one of the huge tubular water chutes and you will find yourself twisting and turning in spiralling loops to be discharged with a huge splash into a vast swimming pool below. This is Europe’s biggest open-air waterpark and is set in a landscape of shady palms and trim gardens with lots to do between getting dunked.
Armação de Pêra

The beach here is one of the longest in the Algarve and fronts a commercial hub of tall, angular apartment blocks, seafront hotels and rows of cafés and bistro bars. But this is all rather functional, so instead everyone heads east for Pêra’s livelier old town, spread around the site of a small fortress.
Arrifana

Craggy, precipitous cliffs tower over Arrifana’s superb beach and accompanying village, which looks as though it’s about to be swallowed up by the dunes. This is the west coast at its wildest and most desolate, attracting only die-hard surfers and those seeking solace with the elements.
Barão de São João

Wrapped in classic hill-walking country and pleasantly lost in time, Barão de São João typifies rural Algarve. It is best appreciated during the antiques fair, which the village hosts on the last Sunday of every month.
Barragém da Bravura

The huge, man-made lake 10 km (6 miles) north of Lagos is a wonderful place to unpack the picnic hamper. In spring, fields of orchids nestle under delicate umbrellas of almond blossom, with butterflies flitting from bloom to bloom. Towering eucalyptus encroach upon the lakeside, and the woods are a favourite haunt of red foxes and wild boar. The higher ground north of the dam is generously wooded with cork oak, and it’s from this area that the best views of the lake can be enjoyed.
Beja

A thriving agricultural town and capital of the Baixo Alentejo, Beja also has a rich past displayed in museum buildings that are often as interesting as their exhibits. The Convento de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, for example, now houses the Museu Regional, and the town’s oldest church, the 6th-century Santo Amaro, is home to the Museu Visigótico. The landmark Torre de Menagem (castle keep) dates from the late 13th century.
Benagil

Benagil straddles a steep, narrow valley which ambles its way towards a bay the size of a postage stamp. More hamlet than village, Benagil is blessed with a couple of superb seafood restaurants positioned on the lip of the valley, with views across the ocean.